We’re all well aware that 2020 has not been what we thought it would be. It’s been a challenging year that has tested every one in one way or the other.
Recently, we’ve also reported many cases of suicide or attempt of suicide for various reasons; family struggles, financial issues, unemployment, and the list goes on. Taking care of your mental health has never been more important. Sadly, many people don’t get the support they need.
The most basic support anyone can give to someone who is suffering from mental health issues or is simply stressed is to just listen.
That’s exactly what local radio station, MIX, has decided to do for an entire day. They have declared, Friday, 7 August 2020 as #MIXStandingWithYouDay, inspired by Malaysian-born Australian singer, Guy Sebastian’s latest song ‘Standing With You’.
In a post shared on the station’s Facebook page, they said: “It’s been a challenging year for most of us, but we want to let you know, that we’re in this together.”
“This Friday, we won’t be talking, so you can. Call and confide in us and we’ll be there for you, to lend you a listening ear. Your calls will not be aired and will remain private to create a safe space for you. Remember that sometimes… it’s okay to be vulnerable.”
Shahreena Hamirin, Content Manager of MIX, shared with WORLD OF BUZZ; “We decided to do this as a time to reflect especially since the first half of the year has been an unpredictable and a challenging time. We were further inspired by Guyās Sebastianās new song about just being there for someone.”
“Sometimes you donāt need answers or the right things to say. Everyone is fighting their own battles and need someone to listen to them. We hope by doing this it will normalize conversations around the importance of mental health and to be less afraid to speak up and reach out.”
MIX announcer, Phat Fabes from the MIX Drive who will also be a ‘listener’ today on the show for people calling in to share their problems told us that “It is the most important thing for people to understand what others with anxiety or depression need. We first need to understand before we can help.”
“If we don’t know what a person needs then you would not know what to say or do in order to help them.
First, we need to educate ourselves about mental health disorders, before we can help people with mental health disorders. And the best way to educate ourselves and understand is to just listen.”
Mental health has been a stigma in our society for the longest time. People are afraid to simply seek help because of how we perceive mental health.Ā Its time we beat that stigma and do our best to help save lives.
You can call MIX today from 10am to 7pm at 03-9543 3322 and share your problems and worries, or simply to vent or talk.
If youāre feeling lonely, in distress, in despair or having suicidal thoughts, or simply having a bad day, Befrienders is providing emotional support 24 hours a day. Itās never too late to reach out and talk to someone. Itās free and confidential.
Befrienders Hotline: 03 ā 7627 2929
Remember that sometimes… it’s okay to be vulnerable.
Also read: Pilot Allegedly Commits Suicide in Puchong Due To Stress From Losing Job 2 Months Ago
